The Stillness of the Wind

The Stillness of the Wind is a lovely, sad spin on farming games

An elderly empty-nester whistles as she maintains her smallholding with calm and dignity in this slow-paced, meditative game

This isn't a fun game, but it is an experience with a message.

Old lady Talma's melancholic tale of utter loneliness and inevitable end does provide some tasty breadcrumbs every now and then, but as a whole, this farm sim/narrative-driven title overstays its welcome, doesn't manage to be enjoyable, and ends up being a chore that just happens to include some pretty, and mildly coloured vistas, as well as a nice calm-and-then-ominous aura.

It is a real experience. About roots, family and specially loneliness. About the value of what doesn’t grow and is sentenced to disappear. About loss and farewells.

Only fiddly controls and minor pacing issues mar a melancholic and affecting story, simply and refreshingly told.

As you watch Talma's existence fade, you grasp the importance that every moment can have on a mortal plane.

The Stillness of the Wind offers up a captivating story combined with serene gameplay. If you're looking for an emotionally engaging gaming experience, this game should definitely be added to your list.

A shorter, tighter experience may have been able to use the tedium and slow tone it delivers for a more consistent experience and resonance with the player, but The Stillness of the Wind was too long a chore for me to enjoy enduring.

This game will stay with me for a long time, even if it’s only three hours in play time. It’s a game about old age, about loneliness and losing the people around you. It’s also a game about stubbornly carrying on and about old friendships. Don’t play it if you are looking for a farming sim. Don’t play it if you are looking for a time management game. Play it if you want to experience something special, but do consider which device you will play it on.